The Daily Telegraph

Published: 23 July, 2008

It's the second column of JONATHAN RAY's two-part summer series, and picnics are on the agenda. A picnic is all about being carefree, and the weather is really its least important element. Good company, good food and good wine are all that matter... come to think of it, all that matters is the wine.' For festive picnics, where it's important to impress, he advises packing a bottle of 2004 Chassagne-Montrachet Vielles Vignes, Vincent Girardin (21.99; Waitrose). For something romantic, try Taittinger Ros NV (35.99; Majestic, Selfridges, Oddbins, Tesco), or if you're having a party, he suggests 2005 Brown Bros Tarrango, Australia (5.99; Asda, Budgens, Co-op, Tesco)